Welcome to the first edition of the education law newsletter. In this update, we explore the challenges many families face at the start of a new school year.
Whilst for many parents the start of the new academic year brings a welcome end to a long summer holiday, for others there is a sense of trepidation – perhaps because school is not their children’s happy, or even safe, space. It may be that their child’s special education needs are not being met, they have experienced bullying, or the new school they will be attending was not their first choice and appears unsuitable. Some children do not start school altogether, perhaps due to lack of specialist school places, exclusion or a disabling level of anxiety preventing their attendance.
For the parents of these children, and the professionals supporting them, understanding a child’s legal rights and entitlements is critical. We can support you by shining a light on topical issues in education, dispelling myths, and answering frequently asked questions.
Latest briefings
About our education law team
Our education law team specialises in securing the school places and education (as well as health and social care provision) children and young people need, and challenges injustice faced in education.
Our practice was born of Eva’s frustration trying to navigate the complexities of the education system with her youngest son. She was already a lawyer but soon learned that she would need to become an expert in education law to overcome what at times felt like insurmountable challenges.
We have since grown from a one-woman campaign to a team of eight and counting. All four of our education lawyers - Eva Akins, Lenka Wall, Erin Smart and Douglas Hamer - are Chambers and Legal 500 ranked. They are supported by our talented paralegals, Zarhine Rajabalee and Max Charman, and super-efficient executive assistants, Helen Turner and Natalie Byrne. Most of our team are parents, many have lived experience of neurodivergence, and all are passionate about championing the rights of children and empowering parents and the professionals who support them.
Education law team
Our education law team at Russell-Cooke has a deep understanding of the legal intricacies surrounding education and our solicitors stand...
About Eva Akins
Eva Akins is a recognised expert in SEND, advising on admissions, exclusions, complaints, school governance and Equality Act claims. She has specialist knowledge of ADHD, autism, cerebral palsy, dyslexia and dyspraxia, and a particular interest in dual exceptionality.
Her expertise is underpinned by lived experience: excluded from mainstream education at 11, she returned to study as a young mother, later earning a first-class law degree and qualifying as a solicitor at 25.
When not working, Eva is an avid traveller—recent highlights include canyoning in Costa Rica, snorkelling with sting rays in the Maldives, and catching Alicia Keys’ new Broadway show in New York, with Southeast Asia next on the list.
This document is not intended to constitute and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice on any specific matter. No liability for the accuracy of the content of this document, or the consequences of relying on it, is assumed by the author.
Get in touch
If you seek further information, please contact a member of the team you can contact our education law solicitors on +44 (0)20 3826 7528 or complete our enquiry form.
